A2 Literature coursework - some advice

Some advice

 

• Go through each of our texts with a toothcomb & with the question you have chosen in mind. Identify key moments ripe for textual analysis; extract key lines that would work well in terms of quotations
• Create a mind map of the key ideas emerging from each text - use arrows to show where the connections could be made. Add social & literary context (relevant) in a different colour
• Remember that 'compare' also means contrast; examining differences can be illuminating
• You are unlikely to be spending a lot of time comparing all three texts at the same time - most of your connections will be between two of your texts
• Look again at the example openings we looked at in class - note the things you must include. Draft an opening (you might not be able to include a thesis (or an especially strong one) at this stage)
• Start writing where you feel comfortable - no need to start from the 'beginning' of the essay
• Make sure that your register is relatively formal and detached; the odd 'I would argue', 'I think', 'What I find most interesting' is fine, but also remember 'It can be argued', 'One counterargument might be...', 'Another interpretation could be ...'
• Avoid using contractions
• Use the first sentence of each paragraph (the topic sentence) to set up the paragraph and relate to the question / overall argument. Don't allow your paragraphs to drift off in a different direction
• Use comments from critics, don't just include them. Bounce off them, comment on them, create new arguments out of them
• Be painstakingly careful about not plagiarising
• Use the texts to anchor your analysis - don't slide across the surface of them
• The first draft you submit on 3 March should not be your first attempt at writing the essay. Have a go, then go through it and play with it, reshape it, rethink it, refine your thesis
• Make sure that you cover the three texts fairly evenly
• Make sure that you have proof-read & run a spell check before you submit the first draft; keep sentences controlled
• Please doublespace (or space & a half) your 1st draft & block paragraphs clearly

GOOD LUCK!